Page 17 of Freed
~Fourteen~
ROMAN
It was an epiphany and a realization of what I wanted for my future, moreover for Lanie’s. When Martin’s eyes lit up at my offer, I knew he was delighted. Lanie, on the other hand, was clearly confused by my announcement. She had to know my true feelings and tonight, I was going to tell her just that. I had never met a woman as breathtaking as Lanie. She was everything to me. Not only was she kind and compassionate, there was an undeniable innocence about her that had me from the moment I laid eyes on her. My only regret was not hearing from Winston’s own lips that he was responsible for her father’s death before Neal killed him. There was no doubt that he murdered Albert Jackson. I knew it, and so did Lanie, but it would have been nice to give her some sort of closure.
Plans had been made at my favorite restaurant, and everything was set. Rita was a lifesaver. She was the one person, more than any of my employees, I was going to miss. I only wished that she agreed to move to Vegas with the company. Relocating my business there had been a hard decision, but if I was going to break all ties to Portland, I had to let Empower go as well. I guess I should be thankful that she agreed to help set up the new location. I had built an excellent reputation, and it was just a matter of finding a new home for Empower so that it could carry on.
Slipping on my shoes, I took one last look at myself before knocking on the bathroom door. “Lanie, our reservation is at seven. Are you close?”
When Lanie appeared on the other side, the woman before me was even more beautiful than a few minutes before. I would never get tired of looking at her. “I’m ready to go. I hope this is okay.”
Lanie pressed her hands down her dress as though she was flattening the nonexistent wrinkles. When she looked up at me, I couldn’t help but pull her near. “You are going to be the most gorgeous woman in the restaurant.”
Leaning in, I kissed her on the cheek to avoid smudging her lipstick. Before this evening was over, the only thing coating those sexy lips would be mine.God, how I wished I had made a later reservation.
♥ ♥ ♥
A valet wearing a black uniform with the restaurant’s logo was waiting at the entrance to assist us out of the car. I should have been jealous of the way he looked at Lanie, but I couldn’t blame him. I was having a hard time keeping my eyes off of her. The deep blue dress that she had chosen to wear was form-fitting, accentuating every magnificent curve of her body. The neckline was modestly low, revealing only her soft shoulders. With her hair draped against her neck on one side, she looked like a princess. Absolutely beautiful.
Rounding the car, I took her by the hand and led her into the restaurant. I recognized the young woman standing at the podium as we stepped up to her. “Good evening, Katie. I believe you have a table ready for me.”
“Of course, yes, Mr. Michaels. It’s so nice to have you back.” Katie smiled.
As Katie led us to our table, Lanie pulled lightly on my hand to get my attention. “Is there any place where women don’t know you?”
I loved the fact that she was jealous, but there was no reason for insecurity. “I conduct most of my business meetings here. She only knows me because of that. Nothing more.”
Before we took our seat, I kissed Lanie on her forehead to show her that she was the only woman I wanted. And after tonight she was going to know just how much. I couldn’t keep my eyes off her as the garçon assisted Lanie with her chair. Placing the cloth napkin across her lap, he looked over to me and said in a thick French accent. “Would the monsieur like to start with our very best French wine? Perhaps a Château Margaux?”
“Yes, that would be wonderful, and please bring us a tray of your finest hard and blue cheeses.”
Lanie’s eyes were glued to the menu, and I was sure that she had no idea what was written on it. All the dishes were in French. When she lowered the menu, she had a confused look on her face. “Roman, I have no idea what the menu says. Maybe it would be better if you ordered for me.”
“It would be my pleasure,” I replied as I reached across the table and squeezed her hand lightly.
When the waiter returned, I placed our order, which consisted of glazed duck, wrapped asparagus, and rosemary potatoes. It was a dish that I had ordered quite often and one that I was sure Lanie would enjoy.
The waiter presented us with our meal, and I couldn’t help but look over to see Lanie’s expression when she took her first bite. Lanie slipping a small bite of duck between her lips was the sexiest thing I had ever witnessed. The way her lips wrapped around the fork reminded me how much I looked forward to this evening when she was stripped naked with those sexy lips of hers wrapped around my cock.
A small moan of enjoyment escaped, and my menu choice proved to be a good one. There was nothing more enjoyable than watching Lanie eat. Well, maybe one thing.
When we left the restaurant, the anticipation of what I was going to tell her was getting near. Instead of heading back to the condo, I decided to take her somewhere more romantic. A place that I knew she would remember. A walk along the riverbank at Waterfront Park would be perfect.
♥ ♥ ♥
The sun was beginning to set when we reached the park, creating the most romantic setting for what I had planned. As we headed into the park, we weren’t alone. Couples of all ages were taking advantage of the warm November weather Portland had been blessed with. Taking Lanie by the hand, I led her to the path that would take us to the riverbank. It wasn’t that long of a walk, and there were many things to admire while we did. There was no better place to take her than to theFriendship Circle.
As the riverfront came into view, and the 20-footSister Citystatue, I slipped my hand inside my front pocket and felt the small velvet box that held mine and Lanie’s future. Circling the tall structure, I led Lanie to the water, while the stars were beginning to appear in the sky. Just like her, they were beautiful and reminded me just how short life was and how more than anything I wanted Lanie to be a part of the family I wanted to create.
I was by far the most inexperienced man when it came to romance. Somehow, with Lanie, it mattered. Romance never mattered before her, and it seemed a waste of time since I had no intention of having a long-term relationship with any of the women I had sex with.
As I turned to face her, I wasn’t sure how this was supposed to play out. Falling to one knee always seemed like the consensus on matters of proposal, but somehow it didn’t feel right. Instead, I took Lanie by the hand and leaned into her. Placing my mouth near her ear, I whispered, “Please say that you will marry me.”
